Congratulations to all of our authors who were recognized at last night’s Writers’ Trust of Canada Awards ceremony, one of Canada’s most prestigious literary honours.
Diane Schoemperlen won the Matt Cohen Award, which recognizes a lifetime of distinguished work by a Canadian writer.From the jury – “Through her 33 years as a writer, Diane has definitely lived the writer’s life. In the process, she has dissected not only genres but words themselves, penetrating the arcane elements of language as a means of getting at what is fundamental to the human heart.”
Sharon Bala took home the Journey Prize for her short story “Butter Tea at Starbucks” originally published in The New Quarterly: Canadian Writers & Writing. From the jury – “This is writing that wades, unafraid, into complexity and controversy, but which is nuanced enough to wrangle finely drawn, utterly human characters to moments of aching vulnerability, confused pain, and unexpected joy. Bala takes big risks and reaps big rewards in this unforgettable story.”
And Carol Off was one of five finalists for the Hilary Weston Prize for Nonfiction. From the jury – “The book is an insightful contemplation of journalism’s mission, and its impact on the lives of the people who dare to speak out in the name of truth.”
The awards were a wonderful opportunity to celebrate all of your accomplished works!